Wrightsville Beach discusses safe surf zones around piers

Published: Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 9:52 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, April 11, 2013 at 9:52 p.m.

The Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen took a step to modify its surf zones around both Johnny Mercers Pier and Crystal Pier on Thursday.

After a lengthy public hearing where board members heard from people representing the surfing and fishing communities, the board voted 3-2 to prohibit surfers and swimmers within 200 feet of both piers. A second reading of the ordinance will occur during the board’s May meeting.

In lieu of the Crystal Pier reopening as a fishing pier this summer, town staff had evaluated the surf zone at Mercers Pier to determine the appropriate distances for Crystal Pier. In doing so, Town Manager Tim Owens said the town discovered a discrepancy in what was outlined in ordinances and what was being enforced on the beach. Owens said it was particularly an issue when lifeguard stands are not staffed.

In the past, surfers were not allowed within 500 feet of either side of Mercers Pier and swimmers were prohibited within 100 feet. However, Ocean Rescue staff were enforcing the prohibition at the 200 mark for both swimmers and surfers when a lifeguard was not on duty. A pole had been placed by the Ocean Rescue staff at the 200 mark for swimmers’ safety, and it serves as an easy point of reference for those in the water.

Dave Baker, director of the Ocean Rescue program, noted that from Memorial Day to Labor Day there is a no-surf zone a minimum of 600 feet from lifeguard stands when a guard is on duty, which supersedes the zones around the pier. He added that the 200-foot zone is safer and more enforceable around the commercial fishing pier.

To keep enforcement streamlined, the board voted to increase the zone from 100 feet from Crystal Pier to 200. Baker suggested leaving the zone at 100 feet because the amount of beach traffic is lower, fewer tourists visit that portion of the beach and it is unknown how busy the structure will be as a fishing pier. The board decided to err on the side of caution with the larger buffer and to reevaluate the zones in January 2014.

Matt Johnson, owner of Mercers Pier, said the issue in the past has been a matter of enforcement.

“First is consistency with enforcement,” Johnson said. “I think once that is done, all parties will have a better understanding,” he added in reference to surfers and fishermen.

“If (lifeguards) are telling the surfers 200 feet and my customers understand it is 500 feet, then it puts the two groups at odds.”

Owens said early in the meeting that no matter the town’s decision, it would enforce the ordinance to the letter. Mayor David Cignotti said during his motion that the zones be strictly enforced.

Though many of the fishermen were displeased with the decrease in the surf zone around Mercers Pier, Baker said the 200-foot zone is a safe compromise for all parties.

“I’m telling you as a professional that the ability to maintain control and safety is at the 200 mark. I’m trying to make this a safe beach and do legally what I’ve been doing for three years,” Baker said. “They’ve caught their fish, they’ve been able to surf and we have maintained safety.”

<p>The Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen took a step to modify its surf zones around both Johnny Mercers Pier and Crystal Pier on Thursday. </p><p>After a lengthy public hearing where board members heard from people representing the surfing and fishing communities, the board voted 3-2 to prohibit surfers and swimmers within 200 feet of both piers. A second reading of the ordinance will occur during the board's May meeting. </p><p>In lieu of the Crystal Pier reopening as a fishing pier this summer, town staff had evaluated the surf zone at Mercers Pier to determine the appropriate distances for Crystal Pier. In doing so, Town Manager Tim Owens said the town discovered a discrepancy in what was outlined in ordinances and what was being enforced on the beach. Owens said it was particularly an issue when lifeguard stands are not staffed. </p><p>In the past, surfers were not allowed within 500 feet of either side of Mercers Pier and swimmers were prohibited within 100 feet. However, Ocean Rescue staff were enforcing the prohibition at the 200 mark for both swimmers and surfers when a lifeguard was not on duty. A pole had been placed by the Ocean Rescue staff at the 200 mark for swimmers' safety, and it serves as an easy point of reference for those in the water. </p><p>Dave Baker, director of the Ocean Rescue program, noted that from Memorial Day to Labor Day there is a no-surf zone a minimum of 600 feet from lifeguard stands when a guard is on duty, which supersedes the zones around the pier. He added that the 200-foot zone is safer and more enforceable around the commercial fishing pier.</p><p>To keep enforcement streamlined, the board voted to increase the zone from 100 feet from Crystal Pier to 200. Baker suggested leaving the zone at 100 feet because the amount of beach traffic is lower, fewer tourists visit that portion of the beach and it is unknown how busy the structure will be as a fishing pier. The board decided to err on the side of caution with the larger buffer and to reevaluate the zones in January 2014. </p><p>Matt Johnson, owner of Mercers Pier, said the issue in the past has been a matter of enforcement. </p><p>“First is consistency with enforcement,” Johnson said. “I think once that is done, all parties will have a better understanding,” he added in reference to surfers and fishermen. </p><p>“If (lifeguards) are telling the surfers 200 feet and my customers understand it is 500 feet, then it puts the two groups at odds.”</p><p>Owens said early in the meeting that no matter the town's decision, it would enforce the ordinance to the letter. Mayor David Cignotti said during his motion that the zones be strictly enforced. </p><p>Though many of the fishermen were displeased with the decrease in the surf zone around Mercers Pier, Baker said the 200-foot zone is a safe compromise for all parties.</p><p>“I'm telling you as a professional that the ability to maintain control and safety is at the 200 mark. I'm trying to make this a safe beach and do legally what I've been doing for three years,” Baker said. “They've caught their fish, they've been able to surf and we have maintained safety.”</p><p><i></p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @JJ_Knight</i></p>